Natera is currently seeking an Associate Director to join our Women’s Health and Organ Health Bioinformatics team. The individual will lead a team of Bioinformatics Scientists and will be responsible for the planning and execution of research projects related to Women’s Health and Organ Health. The ideal candidate should be an experienced team leader and have a strong background in algorithm and assay development, NGS sequencing data processing, and experience with the full life cycle of diagnostic product development.
Primary Responsibilities:
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Envision, scope, plan, and execute research strategies in collaboration with other cross-functional stakeholders for new product development
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Lead a team of Bioinformatics Scientists and support their professional growth
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Partner with wet lab teams to design studies (optimization, verification, validation) and ensure data integrity and quality control
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Lead bioinformatics analyses for assay development and optimization, and troubleshoot wetlab experiments through close collaboration with wetlab scientists
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Work closely with interdisciplinary teams including software engineering, data science, biostats, and molecular biology teams to support the development of new products
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Communicate findings clearly across all levels and functions of the company and act as a subject matter expert
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Present results at conferences and publish in top-tier journals
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Advise on improvements to analysis pipelines, including variant detection and quality control.
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Automate and streamline bioinformatics processes for R&D data management, pipeline execution and reporting
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Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and scientific excellence
Qualifications:
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PhD in Bioinformatics, Computer Science, Mathematics, Engineering, Biostatistics, or related field
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Minimum of 7 years of working in the bioinformatics field and minimum 3 years managerial and cross-functional experience
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
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Track-record of leading highly impactful teams and developing state-of-the-art computational methods
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Expert knowledge of bioinformatics tools for NGS including all aspects of sequencing QC and secondary analyses including variant calling.
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Strong programming and scripting experience in Python, R and shell.
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Fluent in all aspects of exploratory data analysis and visualization for complex data sets and ability to distill observations to actionable recommendations.
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Deep understanding of NGS workflows from sample extraction to sequencing.
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Familiarity with cloud computing and workflow management tools such as AWS, SnakeMake, WDL or NextFlow.
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Familiarity with typical approaches, best practices, and regulatory standards in CLIA diagnostic product development design
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Ability to communicate effectively with wet lab groups and explain clearly technical bioinformatics concepts.
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Ability to work independently while managing multiple objectives and timelines
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Desire to work in a fast-paced environment with potential for high impact in a small team